Yarmouth’s Ryan Graves is excited for a new chapter of his hockey career.
The 26 year old defenseman was traded from Colorado to the New Jersey Devils last month.
Graves says he’s looking forward to the challenge.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new people and being closer to home. It’ll be a new experience on an up and coming team that are closer in age to me. It’s new, and it’s exciting,” says Graves.
Graves broke into the NHL with the Avalanche two seasons ago, and became a reliable defender with the organization.
He says he’s thankful Colorado gave him that chance.
“I’m very thankful to Joe (Sakic) and the Avalanche staff to be able to play more minutes, and be given a shut-down role, and on the penalty kill. I played with some great players and made a lot of positive memories.”
Graves says the support from home has always been great, and he’s thankful fans will be able to watch his games in an earlier time zone.
He’s always worn the number 27, but he’ll put on 33 this season with New Jersey, as Scott Niedermayer’s 27 is retired by the organization.
Why 33?
“I’ve worn 27 all my life, even playing minor hockey in Yarmouth, and I knew it was retired by a very good player in New Jersey. I went with something different. I know a lot of players don’t wear it. It looks good on (Zdeno) Chara, and Radko Gudas wore it. I think it looks good on a big defenseman.”
Hear the full interview with Ryan Graves this Sunday morning on the Y95 Weekender.
